New Chelsea hero Ethan Ampadu has been backed to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge by former team-mate Ollie Watkins.

The forward, now at Brentford, was on the pitch when Ampadu made his senior debut, ironically against the Bees, in the first round of the EFL Cup last year where he produced a man of the match performance.

Chelsea moved to sign the highly rated prospect this summer and he has made a positive first impression on the Stamford Bridge faithful, impressing on his first senior start against Everton in the same competition, with Watkins backing him to shine for the club.

“I didn't see the game but I heard he started and I'm really pleased for him. He's got all the ability to go on and make a name in the Chelsea team and I hope he does that,” he said.

Ollie Watkins celebrates his equaliser (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Watkins feels his grounding at Exeter has stood him in good stead and playing alongside pros who need their win bonus to help ease the pressure on their mortgages stood him in good stead.

He added: “I think coming up through the youth team at a lower club and doing the nitty gritty stuff and playing with older pros has helped me a lot.

“You'll see young players go out on loan at my age and having not played a league game at the age of 24. I'm glad I've done that and I want to keep progressing.”